Losing to Win: County responds to weight-loss competition

Brad Meyer

Published 6:00 pm, Sunday, January 6, 2008

Area gyms and fitness centers throughout Montgomery County have come together to create Losing To Win, a program that promotes and encourages weight loss. Winning teams and individuals can generate support for their favorite charity and earn fitness memberships at area health facilities by losing the most weight.

"It's similar to 'The Biggest Loser' television program," said Christy Sproba, owner of Curves in Montgomery, who developed the concept for the program. "It spotlights principles of a healthy lifestyle and will support local charities."

After signing up, participating teams and individuals can weigh in at the Conroe YMCA or any Montgomery County Curves location prior to Jan.12. Special weigh-in sessions are also being held from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Keller Williams office, at 3500 West Davis, or 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday at the Conroe Recreation Center, located at 1205 Callahan Ave.

"We're very pleased with the number of early sign-ups," said Sproba. "We have eight teams confirmed with nearly 100 individuals."

Sproba said she hoped to have 10 teams participate in this first public program, but would have been happy with at least five teams.

"The team approach is definitely the best way to go," she said. "Having a support group of others that are going through the same things you are makes a world of difference in being able to stay with the program."

Each person pays a $10 participation fee with proceeds from the competition going to the charity designated by the winning team and individual. Winners also receive complimentary membership privileges from supporting fitness centers in the area.

"The contest ends March 7," Sproba said, "but we're hoping to inspire people to make a commitment to healthy lifestyle choices."